The Menopause Monologues

Why be afraid of the big bad change? Top women health pros celebrate menopause as a second act, with a whole new script — starring you.

By Various Health Experts

Donnica Moore, MD

President, Sapphire Women’s Health Group

"The medical world has defined menopause in negative terms—loss of fertility; ovarian failure. We need a new vocabulary to describe what it really is: a time to get on with the rest of your life."

Heather Miller, PhD

Senior Adviser, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

"Increased longevity is changing our view on menopause, making it just another point in our lifelong evolution. Once we’re beyond giving birth, we can focus on the rebirth of ourselves."

Patricia Allen, MD

Director, the New York Menopause Center

"Many women fear the mood swings of menopause. But think of the emotional volatility as the fuel you need to transform your life—it forces you to question who you are at this stage, how you came to be who you are and who you would like to become."

Marianne Legato, MD

Director, Partnership for Gender Specific Medicine

"Menopause is not going to sleep with a closet full of tampons and waking up valueless. There are still pockets of richness to discover that don’t depend on whether or not you’re ovulating."

Judith Reichman, MD

Author, Slowing Down Your Clock

"No more periods? Why should that be a problem? Now you can finally wear those lace panties you were always afraid of ruining."

Carolyn Chambers Clark, RN

Author, Living Well with Menopause

"Live and love it! With its resurgence of energy, menopause can be the beginning of the most sexually passionate, creative and productive phase in your life."

Vivian Pinn, MD

Director, Office of Research on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health

"The perception of a menopausal woman used to be the grandmotherly figure on the front porch watching life go by. Not anymore: We’re CEOs of industry, climbing mountains and running marathons. Our reproductive years have ended, not our lives."